optimistic

Quote: DC W1 "Once again a half decent thread de-railed by a couple of school kids and their petty arguements. PM each other and leave us to get on with the thread.

Getting back to the thread, I would like to think the board will sit down this week and discuss honestly how the season has gone and learn from it.
Firstly I don't want to see all the hype we had last season about what is happening and what we are going to do. Big press releases and lauches etc have left us looking stupid this season. That said I can't see us shifting as many season passes so the hype will have to be there to get cash out of wallets.

I am firmly in the Agar out camp, but feel that he has taken us a step forward from last season, but an ambitious board would imo want to be taking three or four steps forward. This season I don't buy the injuries as an excuse. Leeds, Saints, Giants have all had serious injury concerns at times yet have fought through that adversity and finished above us.
For me we have thrown all our eggs in the one basket, big forwards and two veteran half backs who we do well to get on the park. Until we get a back up half back partnership ( Not Washy and A N Other) we will never be anything more than also rans. I appreciate thats easier said than done, but we now have Webster and Long to coach half backs. As I understand it Longy was brought in to help produce a new SH. Well we are half way through his contract and no sign of a new half back anywhere at the club.
I worry about next year as we seem to be spending time re recruiting players who have taken us no where this season. They are also the same players who have failed to produce a decent 80 minute performance since probably Sts away. They are also the same players who failed to get up for the games in Wales, Scotland, West Yorkshire...... Ok a further off season together might help, but it will also help the clubs who are already way ahead of us so this off season will have to be exceptional if we are to even stand still.

I await the results but can't see the woods for the trees at this moment in time.'"

Very good post. We have had an average number of injuries this season at worst. Long/Horne being out together has hurt us, but let's compare to St Helens who have Pryce/Eastmond out in the play-offs, bring in Wilkin and Moore and smash Warrington. The quality of Horne now is becoming questionable, and Long is fine, even at 34, but we've not enough players able to work on his wavelength. I don't know, but can't imagine this is his fault as he seems a reasonable communicator. Add to that the lack of depth and you can see why we are where we are. Washbrook, bless him, is a great trier, but will never be a creative halfback. Our lack of quality in the three quarters was my main concern, but if we move Berro to the centres and with Sharp coming in, the main focus has to be a half, a hooker and a prop. Doubt we'll be able to afford 3 decent quality players though.